On November 7th, Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, made the shocking announcement that the delivery of social programs would be out-sourced and privatized.

Calling it “social finance”, the government says it hopes to achieve social goals such as addressing homelessness, illiteracy and youth crime. However, this is not just about using mechanisms such as tax reform to encourage more charitable giving. Rather, it means contracting out the delivery of needed social programs to the highest bidder. Instead of looking at where there’s the greatest need, priority will be given to return on investment.

Similarly, out-sourcing of social services will lead to poorer quality and less cost-effective outcomes.

There is another common theme. Just as the federal government has refused to participate in negotiations around renewal of the Health Accord, due to expire in 2014, the Prime Minister has taken a hands-off approach to other important social programs, making irresponsible cuts to the National Aboriginal Health Organization, National Council of Welfare and the Interim Federal Health Program.